Normally vaginal discharge is off-white in colour and does not have any special smell. But sometimes its colour, smell and consistency may change. Vaginal discharge that is different from normal can be a sign of many other problems including vaginal infection.

Vaginal discharge is important for the vagina of women. It provides adequate moisture to the vagina, as well as protects it from infection. Not only this, vaginal discharge also tells about the health of women. Normally vaginal discharge is off-white in colour and does not smell much. But sometimes its colour, smell and consistency seems to change. Vaginal discharge different from normal can be a sign of many other problems including vaginal infection. Sometimes vaginal discharge has a very strong and unusual smell (Smelly vaginal discharge).

Does your vagina also smell unusual? If yes, have you ever tried to find out the reason for it? If not! Then Dr. Aastha Dayal, Director – Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram has given some tips to avoid it while explaining the causes of vaginal discharge. So let's know the tips to avoid the smell of vaginal discharge.

Know the causes of smelly vaginal discharge

1. Bacterial vaginosis

As you may know, both healthy and unhealthy bacteria are present on the vagina. When the growth of unhealthy bacteria increases and the bacterial balance is disturbed, a condition of bacterial vaginosis arises. This is a type of infection, due to which the smell of vaginal discharge increases (Smelly vaginal discharge).

It is important to be careful about vaginal discharge. Image: AdobeStrock

2. Sexually transmitted infections

There are many types of sexually transmitted infections, one of them is trichomoniasis, due to which vaginal discharge starts to smell very hard.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Due to pelvic inflammatory disease, changes can be seen in the smell, color and consistency of vaginal discharge. During this, pain and heaviness is felt in the stomach. It is important to get it treated, otherwise it can give rise to many other problems.

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4. Hormonal changes

Due to hormonal changes in the body, the pattern of discharge changes, especially during premenopause and menopause, vaginal discharge smells a lot. Women who are suffering from hormonal imbalance in general, their vagina also smells.

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5. During menstruation

Periods have their own distinct smell, and carelessness towards hygiene during this period such as using pads for a long time, leaving tampons in, etc. can infect the vagina. This also increases the smell of vaginal discharge.

Penetrative sex isn't the only cause of UTIs. Image: AdobeStock

Learn tips to avoid discharge odor

1. Be alert to infections

One of the biggest reasons for vaginal discharge smelling is vaginal infection. If you protect yourself from vaginal infection, it becomes easier to maintain healthy vaginal discharge. For this, take special care of intimate hygiene, as well as avoid ignoring the early symptoms of infection. If you ignore the early symptoms, the infection becomes more serious. It is important to protect yourself from bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infection, yeast infection as well as sexually transmitted infections.

2. Safe sex practices

It is important to use barrier methods like condoms during sexual activities. Apart from this, clean your intimate area thoroughly before and after having sex, otherwise it increases the risk of infection. Due to which the discharge starts smelling. At the same time, dirt and sweat can also cause the discharge to smell.

3. Limit the use of feminine hygiene products

Many times women use intimate wash, vaginal cleaning water and spray etc. for hygiene. All these products can actually prove to be very harmful for the intimate health of women. Therefore, always use diluted mild soap to clean the vagina.

Infection can be prevented by being careful about hygiene. Image: Adobestock

4. Pay special attention to menstrual hygiene

Change the products used during menstrual hygiene such as pads and menstrual cups at the appropriate time. Keeping them for such a long time increases the risk of vaginal infection, as well as the vaginal discharge starts smelling. Not only this, you should clean your vagina frequently during periods.

5. Pay attention to hormonal balance

To keep the hormones balanced, you need to improve your regular activities. Be physically active and be mindful of your diet. If you have any kind of physical problem, consult a doctor in time so that it does not increase.

Also read: Urine leaks during sex? So know its causes and how to control it